Brennan opened the SUV's door and got out.
"I'm going back to headquarters, Bones. Call me when your squint team finds out anything."
"Yeah, I will. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah. Hey, Bones?"
Brennan raised her eyebrows.
Booth hesitated, his throat a little constricted for some reason.
"Have a good time tonight."
Brennan smiled.
"Thanks Booth, but it's not a date," and she closed the door.
------------------------------------------
"Gail, you are crazy."
"Oh, pash. That's just what the psych tests say. And since when did that matter?"
Brennan smiled, almost believing him about the tests, as he wiggled his dark eyebrows. Gail Perkins was in his mid forties with a lightning steak of gray in his otherwise jet black hair. His eyes were always vibrant and dancing, with a clear blue hue. And his mouth never seemed to form a scowl. Yes, he was good looking. Very good looking. But... Something wasn't right. Something didn't feel right. An image of Booth flashed through her mind and she immediately frowned without realizing it.
"What? Have I said something?"
"What? Oh, no Gail. I was just...lost for a second."
"Ah, I do know what you mean. I find myself there alot. Actually, more than a lot."
Brennan laughed, her Booth memory shut behind closed doors where they belonged.
"So, Gail. Tell me more about the Tombs."
"No, we have been talking about me for the past fifteen minutes. It's your turn to talk. How is your life?"
"Hhmmm. My life? I have no idea."
"No idea? Well, what about your work?"
"It's going good. There is never a dull moment. Acutally, my partner Booth, he's in the FBI, and I had a case today. An eight year old boy was killed and shoved behind a dumpster."
"My goodness, Brennan. That sounds awful."
"It is," Brennan paused and then took a sip of her wine.
"When we talked to his mother, she completely broke down. I can't remember the last time I heard sobs like hers. It was just hard. A mother losing her only son and finding out someone murdered him for what appears to be, no reason. I don't know."
"Well, it's hard to hear some stranger tell you someone you loved died."
With a nod, Brennan sighed softly.
"We're making headway atleast. Hodgins-."
"What?"
"I'm talking about the case. I shouldn't."
"Oh, it's alright," Gail replied with a smile.
"Let's talk about something else."
"Okay. Tell me about this FBI agent."
"Booth? He's my partner."
Brennan shrugged. "That's about it."
(You're not good at lying you know, a deep voice sang out. Oh hush, she sang back.)
"Just partners? What kind of man is he?"
"Well, he won't let me have a gun, so he's mean in that regard. But other than that, he's a good guy. One of the best, really."
Gail laughed and shook his head.
"No gun, huh?"
"Nope. He has thoroughly exhausted any resources for me to even think about carrying a gun."
"That's...exceptional actually. So, is there any?" Gail motioned with his hands in the air.
"Any what?"
"Any...benefits?"
"What? Oh, no. No. No benefits."
Brennan took another drink, though not a small sip, and swallowed forcefully.
"He must be out of his mind to let a woman like you go without thoroughly ravishing you."
Brennan immediately blushed and shook her head, a little flabbergasted.
"Ah, I thought this was a business meeting?"
Gail sat silent, but leaned back in his chair with a smile.
"You're right. I'm sorry. Forgive me. Well," Gail took a bite of his food.
"So far, eighteen bodies have been unearthed. They are definitely of this century, though how they were buried on my site, I have no idea."
"Were they buried in single graves or in one mass grave?"
"Mass grave. We've stopped excavation for the moment, which is killing me by the way. I don't know. Some of the locals say it's some ancient tribe who took vengeance on a their own traitors. But, I don't believe that."
"Why not?"
"No one has lived near the site for the past fifty years. The nearest town is two days away in a jeep. Granted, the jungles are wide and very creepy, but I've never spotted some native running about."
"So who do you think the bodies are?"
"My thinking is that they too were looking for the Tombs."
"But that makes no sense. Why wouldn't you be dead?"
"I have no idea. That is why you are the forensic anthropologist and I want you there."
"I'll have to talk to my boss, Cam."
"So you agree to come?"
"I want to help. These people aren't just trash."
"Then I guess it's settled."
"When do want me to be there?"
"I would hope by two weeks from now. Or is that pushing my luck?"
"No, if Cam agrees, everyone can handle me being away for a few weeks."
Brennan took another forkful of her food and noticed Gail's eyes again move behind her.
"Our admirer is still trying to look inconspicuous."
"Are you serious?"
Brennan turned in her chair. The man was seated four tables away, reading a newspaper of all things.
"He's been looking our way about every three minutes, Brennan. Is he your friend?"
"No, I've never seen him before. Hold on, Gail. I am going to have a small chat with him."
With confidence, Brennan walked over to the table and sat down.
"Excuse me? Why are you looking at me and Gail?"
The man jumped at her voice and looked up.
"What do you mean? I'm not looking anywhere."
"You know the whole lying bit you're trying to pull, doesn't fool me."
"I'm sorry, miss, but I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Why are you lying? My friend has been watching you the whole time. You can't deny it."
"Look, ma'am. I'm sorry-."
"Who sent you here?"
A look of surprise crossed the man's face before he masked it under confusion.
"No one."
That look hadn't escaped Brennan's eyes.
"If you do not tell me who sent you, I will kick your gluteous maximus muscles."
The man looked shocked for a moment and a smile just barely came into his eyes.
"If you could calm down just a moment?"
"No, I will not calm down. Who are you?"
"Okay," the man raised his arms in defeat.
"I'm Special Agent Howard."
"Special Agent?"
Brennan frowned.
"What are you doing here?"
The man tilted his head and offered a smile.
"I can't say."
"I'm not joking about kicking you."
Again, the man smiled and shook his head.
"Alright, I came as a favor to a friend."
"What friend?"
"Special Agent Booth."
Brennan started. Booth? Booth? He planted this man here to spy on her? Oh, she was going to kick him.
"And why did Agent Booth send you here?"
"He told me to keep an eye out for you. He was kind of worried so I said I would help him out. You're not going to kick me are you?"
"No," Brennan smiled tightly, "I am going to kick someone else."
"Ha. He said you were tough."
"Hhmm. Well, I have a dinner to get back to."
Brennan stood and headed back to her table.
"So, I gather you found out why our friend was checking up on us?"
"Yes. It seems Agent Booth decided to babysit us."
"Ha," Gail paused and then busted in laughter again. Once finished, he sighed. Goodness. The woman had no idea did she? No, he peered closely at Brennan. She had no clue about her so call 'no benefit' partner Agent Booth.
"What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing, Brennan. So, I can assume we are not in any danger at the moment?"
"No, we are certainly not."
Brennan chewed tightly on her food.
"I can't believe he would do this."
"It's not that bad."
"He's spying on us! I can take care of myself."
"Maybe he likes to be cautious."
"Unlikely. I can't believe it."
"Brennan, it's alright. How about we move with our dinner?"
With a collected breath, she nodded.
"You're right. There is no reason why Booth should ruin this dinner."
"Okay! Good! So, how about working for me at the Perkins Institute?"
Brennan swallowed her food too fast and choked. After a sip from her wine, she looked at Gail.
"What?"
"Dr. Brennan, I have heard nothing but raving stories about your work. You are highly regarded and of course, I want the best on my side of the ocean."
She had known he would ask her this. She had even been prepared for it. Now though? Well, it was one of the most frightening questions she'd ever been asked.
"I know you think I'm some crazy loon. I'm sure you've heard stories to back that up, but I know the best when I see them. And you, could do wonders at Perkins. Of course, you would get a raise. Have your own team. It won't be much different than what you have at the Jeffersonian."
Wouldn't it! her mind shouted.
"Gail...I don't know."
"Hey, that's good. It shows your loyalty. But I'm not giving up Brennan. You could start right away. Ideally, I would want you right after you leave South Africa. But, I know that is just wishful thinking."
Brennan couldn't breathe.
"What about Cam? My boss? My work at the Jeffersonian?"
"I can talk to Cam. I'm sure I can find someway to let her give you up. And you can finish up any loose ends at work if you want to. Like I said, all the time you need as long as it's not too long mind you."
Staring down at her food, Brennan realized she'd lost her appetite. Earlier, she had chosen to say yes. There was just not enough to tie her down to the Jeffersonian anymore. Now, in the middle of it, she wasn't so sure. Why? She didn't know. Her head told her this was a great opportunity. It was basically like becoming president after being the city mayor. But. What was holding her back?
"Gail, I..." she sighed.
"I need a little more time."
"I understand. I don't want to just uproot you. But I do hope you are seriously considering this.I mean, I know you have made a life here, but you can make a new one."
After a beat or two of silence-
"I guess I could. But... just let me think about it."
Gail looked up and held her gaze. He knew he had offered her a golden ring. Any other person would be falling over their shoes to get to work at the Perkins Institute. But, he knew that she had made her roots here. And he knew there was a chance she would turn him down. But, she might not. He hoped not.
"Take your time, Brennan. I don't want you to make the wrong decision and regret it someday."
Brennan tried a smile, but failed.
"Thank you."